10 nights, 96 miles, 53 locks, 3 moveable bridges, 15 small aqueducts or underbridges and 1 tunnel.

We leave our friendly mooring in the canal town of Stone on the Trent & Mersey canal, which we follow through a series of isolated locks to Great Haywood, where we pass close to Shugborough Hall, the home of Earl of Lichfield, which now belongs to the National Trust. we continue through this lovely countryside near Cannock Chase, an area of outstanding natural beauty at Fradley junction we turn right onto the Coventry canal. Then we travel past Fazeley junction to the two locks at Glascote. Eleven locks at Atherstone complete our climb to the level of the Ashby canal. We pass the Ashby canal at Marston junction we continue on to Hawkesbury junction where the greyhound pub is, (home of the famous pies). turning right here, and our first lock but only a stop lock about a foot, Traveling on we will go under the M69 the canal runs through quiet farmland and passes a pretty Boat Inn Cottage before we reach All Oaks Wood. Soon we go through newbold Tunnel 250 yards, now we are on the outskirts of Rugby. Travelling a further four miles we arrive at Hillmorton Locks. now we are heading to Braunston which is regarded as the heart of the canal system, and the village on its hill is not to be missed. staying on the Oxford canal we turn right at Braunston Turn to Napton Junction. Where we leave the Oxford Canal and continue along the Grand Union. We descend through wide locks from now on starting with Calcutt, Stockton, Bascote, Fosse and Radford locks. The canal then passes through Royal Leamington Spa and onto Warwick where our journey ends at Saltisford Canal Centre.

For More info Click on links: Hawkesbury Junction : Saltisford Canal Canal Center : Warwick Castle :

Nearest railway stations, Stone, Stafford, And Warwick or Leamington Spa

5 Nights, 56 locks, 20 miles, 1 tunnel.

Upon leaving our helpful mooring in The Saltisford Arm Warwick we soon reach the foot of, ‘The Stairway to Heaven”, the Hatton flight of twenty-one locks. At the top of these is Shrewley Tunnel (433 yards) leading to Kingswood Junction at Lapworth, where the Grand Union is linked by a short arm to the Stratford Canal. We take this link and join the Stratford by a re-opened channel between two cottages, one of which has a barrel roof, a feature of this canal. Another feature is the design of the bridges, which have a slot through the middle of them to take the horses rope, to save it having to be removed. Passing through Lowsonford and Preston Bagot, we arrive at Wootton Wawen and cross the A3400 on an iron aqueduct. At Edstone is another aqueduct which at 200 yards, is one of the longest in the country. The canal passes close to Mary Arden’s House at Wilmcote (She was Shakespeare’s mother). We now start the descent to Stratford, which we reach after sixteen locks, and arrive in the Bancroft Basin close to the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre.

For More info Click on links: Saltisford Canal Canal Center : Warwick Castle : Stratford upon Avon :

Nearest railway stations, Warwick or leamington Spa and Stratford-upon-Avon.

6 Nights. 59 miles, 21 locks, & 3 moveable bridges.

As we leave our moorings in Bancroft Basin we drop down our first wide lock on to the River Avon. On our right we pass the Royal Shakespeare Theatre soon to enter Colin P Witter Lock which has large unusual girders over the top. after another lock we reach Luddinton and Luddington Lock, Also known as Stan Glover Lock. We continue meandering along the River passing Weston-On-Avon, Welford-On-Avon This lovely River continues downstream soon to arive at Bidford-Upon-Avon (look out for it's splended old Bridge). Now heading for Evesham & Evesham lock know for the lock keepers house over the bywash. (in need of repair or demolition). Traveling though a difficult Bridge at Pershore, Just after Nafford lock we soon arrive at the Swan's Neck. Then on to Tewkesbury here we stop before locking down to The River Severn. Now on the River Severn we travel up stream, The large locks on the Severn are electrically operated by lock-keepers, on the way we pass under the M50 and Upton, Hanley, Severn Stoke, Rhydd, a few more miles and we arrive in Worcester.

For More info Click on links: Stratford upon Avon : Worcester : Worcester Cathedral :

Nearest railway stations, Stratford-upon-Avon and Worcester.

7 Nights, 44 miles, 97 locks. 4 moveable bridges, 3 small aqueducts or underbridges and 6 tunnels.

One of our favourites, with plenty of lock activity. Leaving Worcester we head towards Tardebigge with its 30 locks - the biggest flight in the country. The guests can help if there felling energetic, (any help is appreciated). There are fine views across the Severn valley to the Malvern Hills and at the top are reservoirs full of wildlife. Tardebigge and Shortwood tunnels are ahead of us and then back into the sunlight and rolling countryside. Too soon we are at Kings Norton Tunnel (2726 yds) and turn onto the Stratford Canal. Passing through the unusual guillotine lock, the boat slip along a leafy glade of trees, which are a regular haunt for herons and kingfishers. We descend through Lapworth to Kingswood Junction; here we turn left, We now head for the final phase of our journey to Warwick. After five miles of cruising we come to the Hatton 21 flight of locks. This is an impressive flight, which lowers the boat 146 feet to our destination at Saltisford Canal center in Warwick.

For More info Click on links: Saltisford Canal Canal Center : Warwick Castle:

Nearest railway station. Worcester and Warwick. Leamington Spa

7 Nights, 56 miles, 59 locks, 20 moveable bridges some left open and 4 small aqueducts or underbridges.

We leave our mooring at Warwick soon passing the cape of good Hope Locks. Heading and passing through Royal Leamington Spa we travel onto Welsh Lane and Fosse Way locks, now we soon tackle the locks at Stockton and then onto the locks at Calcutt. we now have little run onto Napton Junction this is where we turn right onto the Oxford, we eventually clear the nine locks and pass Marston Doles , the canal meanders passing Fenny Compton, we soon descend a flight of locks at Claydon. We pass Cropredy village with its sleepy Churchyard, just after Banbury we go under the M40 passing even more quite locks you can see the Church spire at King's Sutton. Aynho Weir we briefly cross the River cherwell. we reach Somerton, next after this we follow the valley for many miles, We continue on to our final stop at Thrupp.

Nearest railway station. Warwick or Leamington Spa and Oxford.

7 Nights, 57 miles, 79 locks, 2 tunnels & 2 aqueducts.

Leaving Newbury behind us, we move quickly into water meadows and woodland. Frequent locks bring us steadily up to higher ground over the course of a day, making this day a good day for walking. Traveling through the Vale of Pewsey the River Kennet is never far away and several of Southern England's most picturesque villages can be explored. Past wooded ridges and a hill fort we lock up Crofton locks past the historic beam pumping engine, built to pump water up to the canals summit level before entering Bruce tunnel. A long lock free section and a night moored in Devizes gives us time to rest before tackling the 29 locks of Devizes and the Caen Hill flight where we descend 230ft in just 2 miles. The largest flight on the system, it not only keeps us all busy, but offers up some superb views over the surrounding area and down the flight itself. We travel past many attractive villages overlooking the canal before arriving at the architecturally rich, but compact town of Bradford-on-Avon.Following the course of the Avon across two aqueducts Bath city appears ahead and we eventually arrive in amongst the stunning Georgian architecture of this spa town.

Nearest train stations, Newbury and Bath.

7 Nights, 57 miles, 79 locks 2 tunnels & 2 aqueducts.

Leaving the Spa town the canal follows a passage up the wooded Avon valley, crossing the river several times on fine aqueducts at Dundas and Avoncliffe. At first the locks are intermittent at Bradford on Avon, Semington and Seend. At Foxhangers the uphill rush becomes a reality as the marvellous daunting site of Caen Hill locks confronts us and the boat are raised through 29 locks to reach Devizes town wharf. This is the longest flight of broad locks in the country. After the locks we gently meander across the Vale of Pewsey on a 15 mile pound which affords excellent views across the downs and of the chalk White Horse near Honeystreet. The canal summit is reached via 4 more locks at Wootton Rivers. It is broken by Bruce Tunnel, which emerges to Crofton locks where we commence our descent. The rural nature of this waterway remains as the navigation cuts a course down through Great and Little Bedwyn, Hungerford and Kintbury to reach Newbury.

Nearest railway stations, Bath and Newbury.

10 Nights, 125 miles, 62 locks, & 16 moveable bridges some left open.

We begin at the eastern reaches of the Kennet navigation, which is an interesting passage through a series of diverse locks and moving bridge, We cruise downstream through the heart of Reading and out onto the River Thames, which seem vast compared to the Kennet River. We move upstream past Pangbourne, Wallingford, Clifton Hampden and Abingdon before slipping across the busy waters, Further Up stream from Oxford, we are on the picturesque upper reaches of the Thames, which are quite unlike the more familiar parts of the river. This is an idyll of summer buttercups, water meadows and sleepy waterside villages and inns. The river twists and turns, passing Bablock Hythe and Radcot to reach Lechlade, passing the old manor at Kelmscot and a fine statue of Old Father Thames reclining proudly by the side of St John's Lock. We pass Lechlade and turn the boat at Inglesham, the limit of navigation of the River Thames. Then we head back downstream to Oxford, with its elegant spires fine buildings and colleges, which provide interesting walks and exploration. We arrive in Oxford then just a few miles to Thrupp.

Nearest railway stations, Newbury and Oxford.

7 Nights. 60 miles, 44 locks, 2 moveable bridges 1 small aqueduct or underbridge and 3 tunnels.

Leaving our moorings in Banbury we head towards Napton Junction on the way we cruise through Cropredy Village, After 9 locks we come to Wormleighton Reservoir then Fenny Compton Tunnel where the top was taken off. Meandering on down to 9 locks to Napton on the Hill then Napton Junction. The Grand Union joins the North Oxford as far as Braunston Turn where the North Oxford turns north and the Grand Union continues to Norton Junction, where we turn onto the Leicester Section. After climbing the Watford Locks we reach the long lock-free pound to Foxton with its staircase of ten locks arranged in two five lock flights. To the side of the locks is the site of the incline plane, which was built to replace the locks, but was not a success, and fell into disrepair. There is a museum here which has exhibits demonstrating how the incline plane worked. At the bottom of the locks we turn into the Market Harborough Arm and wind our way into the town.

For More info Click on links: Foxton Inclined Plane : Market Harborough :

Nearest railway stations, Banbury and Market Harborough

Via Stoke Bruerne, 7 Nights, 64 miles, 37 locks, 1 moveable bridge, 5 small aqueducts or underbridges and 5 tunnels

We leave Market Harborough and travel to the bottom of Foxton Locks, which are two staircases of five locks each. At the side of the locks is the site of an incline plane and a museum, which has exhibits which demonstrates how it worked. At the top of the locks is a long lock-free pound to the top of Watford Locks, which are also a staircase. Soon after the bottom of these is Norton Junction where we turn onto the main line of the Grand Union Canal and continue down Buckby Locks, and we wind our way through Weedon and on to Gayton Junction Soon after we reach Blisworth Tunnel and Stoke Bruerne, We leave Stoke Bruerne retrace our route to Norton Junction where we turn left onto Braunston Tunnel (2042) and down the six Braunston Locks where our journey ends.

Nearest railway stations Market Harborough, Northampton. & Rugby

7 Nights, 78 miles, 28 locks, 3 moveable bridges some open, 11 small aqueducts or underbridges and 1 tunnel.

Leaving Braunston we travel on the Oxford Canal to Hillmorton where we descend three twin locks, passing Rugby & Brownsover soon entering & passing through Newbold Tunnel. We continue slowly passing Stretton Stop home o Rose Narrowboats, untill the M6 motorway through the tiny village of Ansty then onto Haksbury Junction here turning right onto the Coventry Canal , after 2 1/2 miles we pass the Ashby Canal on our right at the Marston Junction. Onto Nuneaton after a busy day slowly meadering we arrive at Atherston where we desend the locks. Polesworth is our next town, after going under the M42 motorway we pass Alvecote Marina. Then onto Glasscote locks. soon to pass Fazeley Junction and join The Birmingham & Fazeley canal. Passing the Whitington firing range (no stopping). Once we pass Whittington Bridge we now travel on the Coventry Canal to Fradley Junction, here we turn left onto the Trent & Mersey we enter quiet countryside as we wind our way towards Armitage passing the Armitage pottery and church. Soon the huge cooling towers of Rugeley Power Station come into view. Accompanied by the River Trent the canal now enters a particular attractive area with Cannock Chase clearly visible. Pleasant surroundings continue as we approach Shugborough Park with its impressive hall. At Great Heywood Junction the Trent valley becomes much broader and more open as we glide towards Stone in an atmosphere of remoteness and peace. Stone is soon reached with its 2 locks a pleasant town to end our cruise.


Nearest railway stations. Rugby, Stafford and Stone.

7 Nights, 48 miles, 25 locks, 5 moveable bridges, 11 small aqueducts and 1 tunnel.

After leaving our Friendly mooring at Stone, We immediately ascend 6 locks soon to arrive at Barlaston home of the Wedgewood Factory. Traveling on we arrive at Stoke on Trent which takes us past the Potteries with the Potteries Industrial Museum at Etruria. We travel through the Harecastle Tunnel (2926 yards) which is the remaining tunnel of three built. The first canal tunnel had to be closed because of subsidence. The third was a railway tunnel, which was closed when the railway was re-routed. After the tunnel we turn onto the Macclesfield canal, which is very beautiful as it winds its way through the Peak District. Then on to the Peak Forest Canal and follow the valley of the River Goyt into Whaley Bridge. and onto the magnificent Bugsworth basin.

Nearest railway stations Stafford or Stone and Whaley Bridge.

7 Nights, 39 miles, 90 locks, 5 moveable bridges, 13 small aqueducts or underbridges and 7 tunnels

Starting in the Derbyshire Peak District we leave our mooring at Bugsworth basin in Whaley Bridge to the escarpment overlooking the Goyt Valley. Passing Newtown with its confectionery works the canal curves to reveal splendid view of Kinder Scout the highest point in Derbyshire. Shortly we reach the junction with the Macclesfield and work for us now begins as the boat travels down the Marple flight of 16 locks and onto the aqueduct taking us across a wooded ravine. Although now predominantly urban it appears to be misleadingly rural as we pass through Romiley and Hyde. However, too soon we reach Portland Basin and join the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. For us as well as guests this is a new experience, and it is with some excitement as we climb towards Standedge Tunnel (the longest navigable tunnel on the canal system) past Stalybridge and Mossley to Uppermill. At Uppermill we check with British Waterways that our passage is clear to go through the tunnel and onto Huddersfield.


Nearest railway stations Whaley Bridge and Huddersfield

7 Nights, 39 miles, 90 locks, 5 moveable bridges, 13 small aqueducts or underbridges and 7 tunnels.


Reverse of Cruise number 13.





Nearest railway stations Huddersfield and Whaley Bridge

(via the Anderton Boat Lift) 7 Nights, 51 miles, 44 locks, 5 tunnels.

Leaving our mooring at Bugsworth basin we cruise towards Marple passing the Goyt Valley Marple enjoying extensive views as the canal is perched high on the hillside. At Marple Junction we swing left to join the Macclesfield Canal and continue our journey through Marple, Higher Poynton, Bollington and Macclesfield. Just south of Macclesfield in a truly tranquil setting we descend the flight of 12 locks at Bosley dropping us118 feet in a mile. Turning onto the Trent and Mersey Canal at Red Bull Junction we start the descent towards Wheellock through a flight of 26 locks aptly named 'Heartbreak Hill'. Passing through the salt producing area we arrive at Middlewich then on towards the Anderton Boat Lift. Leaving the lift we turn left on the River Weaver and cruise quietly towards Northwich with it very interesting Salt Museum.

For More info Click on links: Bugsworth Canal Basin : Anderton Boat Lift :

Nearest railway stations Whaley Bridge and Northwich.

(via the Anderton Boat Lift) 7 Nights, 68 miles, 30 locks, 2 aqueducts, 3 tunnels.

On leaving Northwich we rise up in the magnificent Anderton Boat Lift and turn right to head for Middlewich, skirting around the environs of industrial Northwich. We cruise through pleasant countryside equal to many other beautiful stretches in the country. Reaching Middlewich, we turn right to join the 11 miles of the Middlewich Arm, which is all open country, punctuated by 4 locks. At Barbridge Junction we join the Shropshire Union main line and follow a brief stretch of this canal until we reach Hurleston Junction and turn right onto the Llangollen Canal and immediately climb the four locks by Hurleston Reservoir. The canal travels through lovely scenery and reaches Wrenbury where we encounter the first of several lift bridges. We continue until we reach Grindley Brook with its three chamber staircase lock. After Grindley Brook the canal crosses Whixall Moss, a bog rich in flora and fauna. Over the next few miles there are several meres, small lakes formed in the ice age, on either side of the canal which are followed by the short Ellesmere Tunnel (87 yards). Ellesmere town is at the end of a short arm. A few miles further on is Frankton Junction where we continue past up to New Marton Locks, the last of the canal and cross the Chirk Aqueduct overlooked by the railway viaduct and into Chirk Tunnel (459 yards). Whitehouse Tunnel (191 yards) follows quickly after and then we reach the famous Pontcysyllte Aqueduct 126 feet above the river Dee. Immediately after the aqueduct there is a ninety degree turn as the canal continues its short journey to Llangollen. This stretch of the canal is very narrow and slower with one-way working in places. We finish our cruise in the marina at Llangollen.

For More info Click on links : Anderton Boat Lift : Aqueduct : Llangollen Steam Railway :

Nearest railway stations Northwich or Crewe and Ruabon

7 Nights, 66 miles, 77 locks, 6 moveable bridges, 13 small aqueducts or underbridges and 3 tunnels.

Leaving Middlewich we pass the salt producing area and head for Heartbreak Hill, a flight of 26 locks aptly named. We travel on past Hardings Wood Junction to Harecastle Tunnel, although not the longest, this is a must for tunnel enthusiasts, being single traffic and in places extremely low. Exiting the tunnel we enter the Potteries, at Etruria we turn onto the Caldon Canal with the Bone and Flint Mill. The Caldon is recognised as one of the most picturesque canals on the system. The first locks we encounter are a staircase. Continuing to climb we wend our way along the canal and at Stockton Brook the five locks raise the canal to its summit level. The canal divides at Hazelhurst, and we take the Leek branch bearing right along the hillside and across the main line on a large aqueduct. Turning just before the elegant tunnel we retrace our steps to join the main line and head towards Froghall dropping down three attractive locks and under the Leek branch. On to Cheddleton Mill on to Consall Forge and Froghall tunnel to wind and return back down the Caldon to rejoin the Trent and Mersey. A stop at Wedgwood for the pottery enthusiasts is a must before we continue our journey through the changing countryside to Stone, with locks at Meaford and Stone.


Nearest railway stations: Northwich or Crewe. Stone or Stafford.

7 nights, 68 miles, 54 locks, 10 small aqueducts or underbridges and 2 tunnels.

We leave the canal town of Stone on the Trent & Mersey canal, which we follow through a series of isolated locks to Great Haywood. Here we turn right under a bridge to enter the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal. Passing over the River Trent on a very ancient aqueduct, we next come to Tixall Wide, one of the most pleasant places on the waterways - the canal forms an artificial lake, which is inhabited by all sorts of wildlife, particularly great crested grebe. Passing on through the tiny villages of Milford and Acton Trussell, we reach Penkridge with its 12th century church. Winding our way through wooded countryside, we reach Gailey where we pass under Watling Street to find the quaint round lock keeper's cottage by the lock - now a tiny gift shop. At Hatherton, we pass the disused branch of the canal that led to Birmingham. By twists and turns, we reach Autherley and Aldersley Junctions and carry straight on down five spaced out locks until we reach one of our favorite the three Bratch Locks which has a fall of over 30ft. Sailing on we go through several villages, Wombourne, Swindon, Near to Rocky Locks you can see rooms have been carved into the sandstone. About a mile we pass Devil's Den and past Stourton Junction through Dunley Tunnel only 25 yards. Soon arriving at Kinver six miles on we are at Kidderminster, Then our destination Stourport.

Nearest railway stations Stafford or Stone and Kidderminster.

7 Nights, 44 miles, 97 locks, 4 moveable bridges, 3 small aqueducts or underbridges and 6 tunnels.

One of our favourites, with plenty of lock activity. Leaving Worcester we head towards Tardebigge with its 30 locks - the biggest flight in the country. The guests can help if there felling energetic, (any help is apreceated). There are fine views across the Severn valley to the Malvern Hills and at the top are reservoirs full of wildlife. Tardebigge and Shortwood tunnels are ahead of us and then back into the sunlight and rolling countryside. Too soon we are at Kings Norton Tunnel (2726 yds) and turn onto the Stratford Canal. Passing through the unusual guillotine lock, the boat slip along a leafy glade of trees, which are a regular haunt for herons and kingfishers. We descend through Lapworth to Kingswood Junction; here we turn left, We now head for the final phase of our journey to Warwick. After five miles of cruising we come to the Hatton 21 flight of locks. This is an impressive flight, which lowers the boat 146 feet to our destination at Saltisford Canal center in Warwick.

For More info Click on links: Saltisford Canal Canal Center : Warwick Castle:

Nearest Railway Stations, Worcester and Warwick. Leamington Spa

11 Nights, 104 miles, 121 locks, 7 moveable bridges, 19 small aqueducts or underbridges and 6 tunnels.

Upon leaving our helpful mooring in The Saltisford Arm Warwick we soon reach the foot of, ‘The Stairway to Heaven”, the Hatton flight of twenty one locks. At the top of these is Shrewley Tunnel (433 yards) leading to Kingswood Junction at Lapworth, where the Grand Union is linked by a short arm where we turn right onto the North Stratford Canal & 20 locks of the Lapworth flight, Hockley Heath is next, soon to travel under the M42 Motorway heading towards Shirley Draw Bridge. Here we stop the traffic for us to pass. Now through the built up area of the outskirts of Birmingham. After entering the Brandwood Tunel we travel about a mile to Kings Norton Junction, turning right on to the Worcester and Birmingham Canal. Passing Bournville (home of the chocolate company Cadburys), Selly Oaks and Edgbaston. Then we are entering the center of Birmingham. Leaving the center we immediately descend Farmers Bridge Locks, and Aston Locks a busy day for locks. Now heading for Saltford Junction right turn under the high Motorways. On the Birmingham & Fazeley Canal down a few locks before arriving at Curdworth. Soon to arrive at Fazeley junction turning right to the two locks at Glascote. Eleven locks at Atherstone complete our climb to the level of the Ashby canal. We pass the Ashby canal at Marston junction we continue on to Hawkesbury junction where the Greyhound pub is, (home of the famous pies). turning right here, and our first lock but only a stop lock about a foot, Traveling on we will go under the M69 the canal runs through quiet farmland and passes a pretty Boat Inn Cottage before we reach All Oaks Wood. Soon we go through Newbold Tunnel 250 yards, now we are on the outskirts of Rugby. Travelling a further four miles we arrive at Hillmorton Locks. now we are heading to Braunston which is regarded as the heart of the canal system, and the village on its hill is not to be missed. staying on the Oxford canal we turn right at Braunston Turn to Napton Junction. Where we leave the Oxford Canal and continue along the Grand Union. We descend through wide locks from now on starting with Calcutt, Stockton, Bascote, Fosse and Radford locks. The canal then passes through Royal Leamington Spa and onto Warwick where our journey ends at Saltisford Canal Centre.

For More info Click on links: Saltisford Canal Canal Center : Warwick Castle:

Nearest Railway Stations, Warwick. Leamington Spa

7 Nights, 47 miles, 29 locks, 9 small aqueducts or under bridges.

Leaving our mooring at Warwick. We descend towards the valley of the River Avon at Leamington Spa. Then we begin to climb slowly and will continue to do so for many miles through Radford, Fosse and Bascote locks. We arrive at Stockton locks, with various reminders of the former days of clay quarrying here. We climb Calcutt locks to join the joint Grand Union. At Braunston turn we go left here heading towards Rugby. Then onto our favourite junction which is Hawkesbury. Here we turn left onto Coventry arm and travel onto our mooring at Coventry.

Nearest railway stations Warwick or Leamington Spa. Coventry.